FAQs

Couplings are supplied with a Buna Nitrile rubber seal as standard, although other materials such as Viton, EPDM, Neoprene and PTFE are also available.

It is advised to ensure that you have a maintenance programme in place when working with any product that includes moving parts as these can become worn through general use.

Making sure you have spare parts can sometimes mean the difference between downing tools or not. Stopping a line for maintenance issues can be frustrating but most of all can incur costs while production is halted. Make sure you have the right components on the shelf to avoid costly downtime.

We supply Handles/Pins/Rings and Gaskets as individual spares parts.

Camlocks are used for pipe, hose, tubing and tanks conveying liquids and powders including cooling water, fuels, chemicals, cosmetics, foodstuffs, offshore, pumps, adhesives, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pellets and many more.

Dry disconnect couplings are easily operated. The valves are opened and closed with handles controlling the flow of the liquid in the lines. All products operate slightly differently but generally, there is usually one handle to control the flow and the other to lock the system open or closed.

Typically you would choose a dry break coupler when dealing with either expensive or hazardous media. Dry disconnect couplings can be used anywhere where a standard coupling would be used. They are designed for hose and tank applications and are compatible with IBC tanks.

As with all fittings, drybreak couplings contain moving parts and these need replacing on a regular basis. When things go wrong, the downtime can be expensive if lines are halted for maintenance. Having a service procedure in place is highly recommended.

Make sure the specified timescales for these checks are assessed on the level of use involved, the environment and application. For example, are the fittings continually moved about or stationary? Users of fittings in applications where lines are used in delivery and collection should be especially careful, as there will be more pressure on the fittings in this instance.

Most dry break fittings can be stripped down, checked and have the parts replaced on site as long as you have the right tools and expertise in-house. If not, Action Sealtite does offer a service where these fittings can be sent back to us to service for you. We will replace any worn parts, re-test and re-certify. If this is a service that would benefit you please call us on +44 (0)1235 512500.

Call our Sales Team on +44 (0)1235 512500 

Low-Medium Pressure (Bolt Clamps, Band Clamps & Linear Clamps)

Single Bolt Band Clamps  

Single bolt clamps are re-useable. However, before reusing any type of clamp, it is vital that they are checked and in good condition. These hose clamps are called Single Bolt Clamps because unsurprisingly they fix in place with one bolt across a band of metal. This is why they are also called Band Clamps. These come in all sizes from 17mm up to 252mm. Check our Mikalor Clamps range. Available materials include W1, W2, W4, and W5.

Need a larger size? The next size up is the Double Bolt Clamps range.

Double Bolt Band Clamps

Double Bolt Clamps are another member of the Band Clamp family, but feature two bolts instead of one, because of their greater size. These come in a wider range of sizes than single bolt clamps, although there is some overlap in the sizes available across the two ranges. These clamps are built to suit hose OD’s from 60-70mm up to 350-365mm and are available in either Plated or Stainless Steel.

Handling Larger Sized Requirements:  Linear, Bolted Hose Clamps

So, you’re looking for a solution for a much larger application? Another option for low-medium pressure applications would be a Linear Hose Clamp. Linear clamps can be joined together in series, providing a bespoke-sized solution. This is very often a tactic used on extremely large ducting.

Linear clamps come in Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel Plated options and so the only consideration, is are they going outside or inside? Refer to the next section for advice on the material for each application.

Carbon Steel Plated

This is the most cost-effective material. You may want to consider using this material if the assemblies are to be used in areas protected from the elements to some extent. This is because the protective plating will deteriorate over time, particular outside.

Stainless Steel

On external applications, including marine and chemical, or applications considered being aggressive environments; you may want to consider Stainless Steel. These are much more durable and longer lasting.

Medium-High Pressure:  Hose Clamps for Compressed Air & Fluid Applications

Malleable Iron – Double Bolt Clamps

Malleable Iron Double Bolt Clamps, are produced from this material because it allows the clamp halves to bend when being assembled making sure that they form around the circumference of the hose and insert. They cover hose OD’s from 17mm through to 250mm. Smaller sizes are supplied with fixed ears and larger sizes have loose saddles. These stop the hose from being pinched when assembled. The smaller sized hose clamps are commonly used on compressed air hose in conjunction with claw couplings. Larger sizes are used in a wide range of industrial applications including fluid, air, and gasses. With all applications, hose assemblies using this style of clamp, should be inspected regularly to confirm the integrity of the hose, the insert, and the clamp.

SK Clamps – Hose Clamps with Ears

SK Series Malleable Iron clamps are similar to the standard Malleable Iron clamps in construction but have the added feature of ‘fingers’. These fit behind the annular collar found on some hose tails particularly, air pressure or claw couplings. When assembled correctly this safety feature prevents ‘blow-off’ (which is where the insert is forced out of the hose under pressure). They are available in sizes 13mm through to 75mm and widely use on compressed air assemblies.

High-Pressure Air – Clamps for Steam Hose

Steam is, as we know, hot and pressurised. Steam hose clamps need to be robust and are produced in #35 Steel. They are produced with ‘fingers’ which fit behind an annular collar on the male and female hose tails which when assembled correctly help prevent “blow-off” under pressure. They are designed to form around the hose OD as they are tightened. Care must be taken when choosing the correct clamp dimensions to suit the hose and inserts being used.

It is not recommended that these clamps are re-used. All high-pressure air and steam hose assemblies and clamps should be checked regularly to make sure there are no potential problems. If the hose assembly has been used with steam, we would advise that the nuts and bolts are checked and re-tightened if necessary after each use. The variations in temperature on the assembly and fittings mean that the assembly will expand and contract as it cools down so this is why there is significant movement and re-tightening is required.

Roman Seliger Hose Clamps – DIN 2817

Roman Seliger manufacturers a wide range of Aluminium, Brass, and Stainless Steel clamps made to DIN 2817 for use with hose inserts to DIN 2828. This style of hose clamp has ribs inside the clamp halves which when assembled correctly mean that the interference fit is on the outside of the hose rather than the traditional method of having mute-serrations on the hose insert. This can potentially improve the life of the hose.

This system can be used for fluids, air, or gas with working pressures up to 25 bar. Inserts can be bought along-side the clamps and the clamps can be used in conjunction with any DIN 2828 inserts. Male and female inserts are offered in Steel, Stainless Steel, or Brass with the choice of material being based on the media being transferred.

Care must be taken to choose the correct size of clamp to suit the inserts and hose OD to be used.

For any further information, please contact our Technical Sales team on 01235 512500

To open the ball valve move the handle in line with the fitting. To close the valve, the handles are moved at a right angle. Additional locking systems are available to ensure the valve isn’t opened accidentally.

By design, ball valves are strong and enduring and will last well for many cycles. This means they are particularly suitable for ‘shut-off’ applications and where extensive industrial use is required.

Ball valves are often preferred to gate or globe valves due to their ease of use, but they can lack the fine control required in throttling applications. They can also be problematic when it comes to cleaning so for pharmaceutical, bioprocessing, or food and beverage applications or, if a fitting for non-contamination is required, you may want to explore another option.

If you are unsure and you require a more advanced valve for your operation, please call us for more advice.

Our team are available on +44(0) 1235 512500

Used widely throughout manufacturing, the popular industries include:

• Chemical
• Marine
• Power Plants
• Oil & Gas

Stainless Steel Ball Valves

Manual valves are used as intercepting valves in Stainless Steel lines in the Dairy Industry for alcoholic drinks and Pharmaceutical applications wherever sanitary measures are required. For manual operating, the valve is supplied with a standard locking handle, placing the valve in open or closed position. The valve is designed to match any standard: DIN – RJT – Tri-Clamp, threaded or weld-able.

Stainless Steel ball valves technical download. 

Banjo Polypropylene Bolted Ball Valves

• Precision moulded Polypropylene is reinforced with fibreglass for additional strength
• Self-aligning ball moves freely against the PTFE seats for smooth operation
• The valve opens and closes with very little pressure on the handle
• The ball is diamond turned after moulding, to make it spherically perfect, which provides precise contact between ball and seats
• PTFE self-lubricating stem bushings and seats cannot stick or bind
• Stainless Steel bolts 1 FKM (Viton type) seals 100% PTFE seats

Banjo Stubby Ball Valve

• Precision moulded Polypropylene reinforced with fibreglass for strength
• Stainless Steel bolts
• Multiple design options
• Lightweight
• Maximum operating pressure: 100 PSI @ 21°C / 75 PSI @ 42°C PTFE seals / Viton seals

Banjo Single Union Ball Valve

• Precision moulded Polypropylene reinforced with fibreglass for strength
• PTFE seats for smooth operation and proper sealing characteristics.
• EPDM O-rings to handle most chemicals. Viton also available
• Double O-rings in stem area for extra sealing protection
• Interlocking body and end plate to allow easy thread connection when installing valves
• Maximum operating pressure: 100 PSI @ 21°C

Check this blog out: HERE

Check out this blog: HERE

European Standard (BSP Threaded) ‘Q’ Claw Coupling – DIN 3489

• Interchangeable with all other existing ‘Q’ type couplings
• Suitable for low to medium compressed air applications
• System used worldwide for compressed air in construction and industry
• Locking head has the ‘Double Lock’ safety feature – common to all sizes
• Allows simple cross-connection on all parts irrespective of size, hose or thread

‘Safeloc’ European Standard (BSP Threaded) Couplings by Ludecke

• Safety coupling with a ‘Pin Lock’ feature to prevent accidental disconnection
• Interchangeable with existing ‘Q’ type European standard claw coupling
• Locking head conforms to European standard design
• Security collar on the hose stem for use with double bolt clamps

American standard (NPT threaded) ‘Universal’ claw type coupling (also known as a crows foot fitting)

• The American standard universal claw couplings are interchangeable with other fittings of the same standard
• The locking head conforms to the American standard design
• Incorporates a special ‘Pin Lock’ safety feature to ensure positive locking and to prevent accidental disconnection
• Security collar featured on the hose stem for double bolt clamps 

Claw-type air hose couplings are specifically designed for use with compressed air applications. They can be used to connect airlines and hoses with air powered tools and other industrial equipment. Connected by simply twisting the identical halves of the claw coupling together, they are available with either a hosetail or male and female threads.

Claw-type air hose couplings are commonly found in industries, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, offshore rigs, construction and many more.

American style quick-action compressed air coupler fittings, also known as:

• Air King
• Chicago Type
• Lindy
• Crows foot fitting

We recommend using our whipcheck cables for added safety when joining compressed air hoses together. Other materials for specialist applications are also available. Please browse this section for further air pressure fittings or call us more details:  01235 512500

We recommend using our whipcheck cables for added safety when joining compressed air hoses together. If you want more information on why we recommend these safety products, check our blog post outlining the benefits and potential pitfalls of not using restraints in pressure applications. 

Other materials for specialist applications are also available. Please browse this section for further air pressure fittings or call us more details:

+44 (0)1235 512500

Quick couplings come in three main configurations; each one with different flow characteristics. The options are single shut-off, double shut-off and straight thru connections. Each of these referrers to the type of valve incorporated within the design of the fitting. Each design has a different impact on the control of the media flow and flow rate.

Single shut-off

Single shut-off couplings are designed mainly for pneumatic systems using air and are suitable for use within systems operating at up to 300psi. The reason it is called a single shut-off coupling is that a shut-off valve is found in the female socket but not in the male probe; only one half of the system is valved. The female half should be installed on the upstream supply of the line. This way it is possible to shut-off the media supply when the quick coupling system is disconnected.

Double shut-off

These couplings are most commonly used in hydraulic applications and are sometimes referred to as ‘hydraulic fittings’. They feature a shut-off valve in both the female coupler and the male nipple connection, allowing the user control at both ends of the line. This means that virtually no fluid is lost on connection or disconnection. These quick release couplings can be used for either air or fluid transfer.

Straight-thru

If there is a shut-off valve already in place in the line assembly, it is possible to use a straight-thru coupling system, since the coupling, therefore, does not need this inbuilt element of control. Straight-thru couplings offer a range of benefits. Since there is no valve mechanism on either part of the quick coupling, the flow is totally unrestricted resulting in superior flow rates, and also means there is very little pressure drop.

Most quick disconnects are designed using ball bearings (poppet valves) as a connection and valving mechanism. This makes them ideal for use within more rugged and robust applications such as mobile equipment, agriculture and remote hydraulics. Other applications include pneumatic, medical, construction, food processing, transportation and medical industries. Quick Couplings are utilized in fuel systems, cooling, test rigs, air tools and irrigation. They work well in confined spaces and the connection sits inline with the hose and pipe works.

Quick disconnects are a simple push-to-connect coupling. Quick couplings are locked together with a ball bearing mechanism (poppet valve), with the male half locking into the female socket once the sleeve of the female coupler is pulled back. They are easy to operate and no tools are required.

In order to select the right quick coupling, you must consider the following factors:

Pressure

Flow Requirements

The temperature of your Media

Functional and Environmental Considerations

Media

Pressure & pressure surges

This is one of the most key elements for consideration. Quick couplings cannot be used if the system pressure is greater than the rating of the fitting. All couplings are pressure rated according to the operating pressure, as well as burst pressure. This should be checked ahead of purchase.

Flow requirements

Pressure drop is very important since this affects the overall performance of the line.

Temperature

This is particularly relevant to the seals and the compatibility of materials. The temperature of the media will also affect the material of the fitting and which metal you’ll need to use. For more information on chemical compatibility and seal type materials, refer to our Chemical Reference Chart.

Function & environment

Considerations such as corrosion, maintenance and cleanliness also play an important role in selecting the right system. Operating conditions, such as how easy the fittings are to access, the forces required to connect and disconnect, how much media loss you can tolerate, air inclusion, vacuum, weight, and size are all major considerations. If you require further support on any aspect of choosing the right quick release coupling, check our blog post on STAMP (Size, Temperature, Application, Media & Pressure). Or you can call us on 01235 512500.

It is possible to interchange fittings between brands, as long as the couplings are made to the same manufacturing standards. For example, Action Sealtite’s own QuickBreak brand is interchangeable with Hansen, Parker, Rectus and Faster manufactured couplings. QuickBreak is available as an ISO B, ISO A and H Series Quick Disconnects.

If you are transferring an aggressive media, expensive chemicals or if there are any environmental risks associated with spillage, you may need a Dry Break Coupler. We supply a wide range of brands and fittings within this product category and can advise you on the best solution for your application.

Browse the technical data sheets below and the related products. If we can help you with any further information, please call the office on 01235 512500

An IBC tank is a rigid composite container moulded from Polyethylene and sits on a pallet surrounded by a cage. IBC’s are 1000 litre mobile containers the size of which sits between a drum and a large tank. The term IBC stands for ‘Intermediate Bulk Container’ and is designed to be moved around either on a pallet or lifted by a forklift. They are reusable and typically used for the storage and transportation of bulk liquid or powdered substances such as food & drink, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and solvents.

Call us for additional advice to make sure you get the right IBC connectors for your application +44 (0)1235 512500 

We stock a wide range of IBC tank fittings for all kinds of applications. Struggling with a one-piece fixed female-to-female thread socket? The unique IBC fittings called, ‘Swivel-it’, resolves the issue where connectors are difficult to screw and connect in any direction. Call us for more information on how we can help find you the right solution.

We also supply a range of special length fittings to help solve the challenge of tightening your fittings in the restricted space within the hutch of your IBC container. If this is something you need to explore further, please give us a call. Since these fittings are ‘specials’ they are not all featured online.

Vents IBC pressure and vent products will protect your container and valuable commodity without the need to remove the top. Moulded in glass reinforced polypropylene with stainless steel springs gives excellent chemical resistance. Please contact us for quotes and availability as these items are yet to be sold online.

We also stock a range of accessories to provide you with a complete solution.

Our primary goals are to provide the end user with an off-loading system which is quick, secure, easy to maintain, compatible with the vast majority of products and that integrate easily with existing equipment at a cost-effective price.

This reusable, rugged coupling series can be fitted or re-attached in the field without special equipment.

To safely drain high-pressure hose fittings with valve type fittings, you have two options available:

• Allow media to cool down completely
• Remove the valve
• Carefully disconnect and drain the water

OR

• Allow media to cool completely
• Insert a spare plug into the coupler end of the assembly, and roll the hose towards the open end to drain the water

Used in conjunction with rubber steam hose and connected by attaching the fittings around and hose and bolting it into place.

High-pressure hose fittings are used for compressed air (mostly larger sizes), in quarrying, mining, pile driving, as well as other service duties, and LPG, grouting and other volatile liquid applications.

Steam hose fittings are used in oil refineries, chemical plants, and other factories using steam as an essential service.

Because steam is an extremely dangerous medium, great care and consideration should be taken when choosing steam hose fittings. This is to ensure that the correct hose, high-pressure fittings, and in turn, clamping solutions are provided to meet your specific requirements. If you are unsure as to what pressure rating, temperature, static or dynamic flexing, or abrasion will affect your application, please consult our sales office for technical advice.

Product specifications:

• Steam Clamps up to 3⁄4” size have two bolts and 1” clamps have four bolts
• Sizes from ½”/13mm – 2”/50mm
• Material #35 Steel (Cast)
• Threads BSP or NPT

Call us on +44(0) 1235 512500

Warning! Figures given are as guidance only.

Service conditions, hose construction, and the manner in which the high-pressure fittings, couplings, and clamps are fitted will usually be the determining factors.

• Storz – German origin – Used in both firefighting and industrial applications
• Guillemin Symetrique –  French Origin – also mainly used in firefighting and industrial environments
• Roman Seliger – German Origin – A type of coupling more suited to chemical handling

Typically, these fittings are comprised of two halves which are identical and connect by twisting the two halves together.

They are ideal for the transfer of liquid that requires high flow rates. A common application for the three groups of DIN fittings we supply into is firefighting equipment.

Please see the data sheets for the technical specifications for each of the three ranges of DIN fitting.

The French and German standards vary slightly and so please speak to our technical team here on +44 (0)1235 512500 to ensure we can quote you for the appropriate fitting or click here to contact us.

Air line connectors are a range of quick release style couplings specifically designed for use with air tools and air lines. Air line couplings are typically used in applications where the lines need to be connected and disconnected frequently, for example where equipment may be mobile or lines need to be broken frequently.

These fittings are normally valved with a single shut-off mechanism, which is explained in more depth below.

Our range comprises of ‘standard’ industrial air connectors, which characteristically provide high flow rates. This is especially important when used in compressed air applications since the speed and pressure of the airflow is paramount to the design and function of the equipment; usually used in cleaning equipment, machinery, or hydraulics.

The fittings we supply are interchangeable with those offered by manufacturers such as Rectus, Schraeder, Parker, Hansen, Walther and Tema amongst others, making it easier for you when ordering. If a branded product is already in place, our equivalent air line fittings will be fully compatible. Just match the ‘Series Type’, which should be marked on the side of the fitting.

PLEASE NOTE: The standard airline couplings are not used for breathing air apparatus. Please consult the Sales Office for more information +44 (0)1235 512500

You can check our blog post on how to identify the right airline fitting – coming soon! We will add a link here in the next coming weeks and will include a profile guide so you can visually match your fitting with the correct series via the illustrations. Watch this space!

These couplings are easy to use. They are ‘quick release’ fittings, so connecting and disconnecting them can be done simply and swiftly. In fact, you can usually do this with one hand, without the use of tools. We’re not even showing off! They are lightweight and compact in design.

To create the connection, the plug is pushed into the socket, which makes the sleeve spring forward and automatically lock into place. When disconnecting the fitting, simply pull the sleeve back and the coupling is disconnected immediately.

There are different types of valved (or non-valved) fittings. In this section, we have outlined the different options so you can decide which is best for your application.

Straight-Through/Straight-Thu – These couplings have no shut-off valve and so they offer the greatest possible flow rates since, without a valve, there is no obstruction in the flow path
Fittings with an integrated valve can often experience a certain level of ‘turbulence’ and that is avoided with this solution. Straight-through couplings are ideal for liquid media – e.g. water. Before unlocking, the flow must be stopped

Single Valve Shut-Off – On a single shut-off system, the plug or nipple half is designed ‘straight-through’ without a valve, but the socket half shuts off immediately as soon as the connection is broken. The media stays in one end of the line only. This is an ideal solution for the operation of compressed air tools. It provides the user with more control than a ‘straight-through’ connection

Double Valve Shut-Off – As the name might suggest, in this solution, shut-off occurs in both halves of the fitting as soon as it is disconnected. Double shut-off valves stop the flow in both the socket and the plug. The media, therefore, remains safely trapped in both ends of the connecting line and none of the media is lost. This option is especially suitable when transferring aggressive media or in sensitive environments where no spills can be tolerated such as in a clean room
Air Line Fittings Specifications Snapshot

Seals

Check the compatibility of your seals with the media you are planning on using
For chemical, compatibility check our guide
Buna Nitrile seals are supplied as standard with Viton available on request
Materials

All of the fittings come in Nickel Plated Steel & Nickel Plated Brass as standard.
Also available in Stainless Steel (Stainless Steel offers high resistance to corrosion, and is specifically designed for liquid or aggressive media)
Ask us for advice on the fitting material if you’re unsure
Connections.

Male
Female
Hosetail

Sizes

4mm – 13mm

Working Pressures & Temperatures

– 20°C to +100°C 1 15 bar (230 PSI)

Coded Systems

If the application demands that, no systems are ‘cross-connected’, coding is always an option. Please ask us for more details on our coded air line connectors.

As with all types of couplings and air hose fittings, if the fittings are in frequent use, we would always recommend thorough and consistent maintenance schedules be implemented. We can assist you with advice on this subject and would be happy to help. Call the team on +44 (0)1235 512500

Automotive
Aeronautics
Mobile Hydraulics
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Technology
Safety Technology
Food Technology
Medical Technology
Machinery Construction

Please call us for further information on any product within this range. Our team are experienced and happy to help.

Contact us on +44 (0)1235 512500